The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, commends Chief Martin Onovo 2015 Presidential Candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) and Head of Policy Positions at the Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC) for his fearless and truthful position on the fraudulent attempt to associate Simon Ekpa’s conviction in Finland with the persecution of Onyendu.
Chief Onovo rightly described Simon Ekpa as a criminal whose reckless activities are alien to IPOB and its leader. He further noted that Nigeria’s refusal to obey its own court orders and release Onyendu created the vacuum that opportunists like Ekpa have exploited.
Contrary to Nigeria’s false narrative, IPOB is a lawful, non-violent self-determination movement, registered in over 60 countries and active in more than 100. Guided by international law, the African Charter, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), IPOB’s global legitimacy remains intact.
No international body, government, or court has ever endorsed Nigeria’s terrorist label against IPOB. The truth remains: IPOB is whiter than white before the international community.
Nnamdi Kanu: A Leader of Sacrifice
Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has endured seven years of unlawful detention following his extraordinary rendition from Kenya. Despite personal sacrifices, including the loss of his parents, he has remained steadfast in championing the freedom of his people.
From mobilising food relief during COVID-19 to defending communities against violent herdsmen, Onyendu has shown courage, compassion, and leadership unmatched in modern Igbo history.
Simon Ekpa: Nigeria’s Tool of Distraction
IPOB reiterates that Simon Ekpa was never our choice. He is a project of the Nigerian State and its collaborators deployed to distract, discredit, and replace Onyendu’s principled leadership with violence. Just as ISWAP was used to replace Abubakar Shekau in Boko Haram, Nigeria attempted to use Ekpa against IPOB. That plot has failed and will continue to fail.
Call to the International Community
We urge the global community, rights groups, and democratic governments to note:
- Nigerian courts have freed Onyendu, yet he remains in illegal detention.
- IPOB is peaceful, global, and legitimate under international law.
- Nigeria is exploiting Ekpa’s conviction to tarnish Onyendu’s reputation, but the ploy has failed internationally.
Conclusion
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention is not about crime but about fear of his influence, popularity, and vision for a free Biafra. His persecution is an insult to justice, Nigeria’s judiciary, and international law.
We echo Chief Martin Onovo: Onyendu must be released unconditionally. The world must not remain silent while a peaceful leader is punished and criminals are empowered.
Signed:
Comrade Emma Powerful
Spokesperson, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
